2015 Capital Fringe Review: ‘District of Cara’

District of Cara is like a huge pajama party where your best friend dishes on boyfriends, past and present. In this one-hour monologue/skit/therapy session, actor/writer/storyteller Cara Foran is sooooo likeable, well, you just want her to be happy and get on with her life.

Actually, her life reminds one of another millennial, Lena Dunham, star of her TV show, Girls. Both women are idealistic, technically proficient, optimistic, and somewhat self-absorbed. And both share good stories about bad dates and the quest for happiness.

In the Local Yogurt Production at the Tree House Lounge, Cara first appears vulnerable, yet you sense her strength and fortitude. Her smile is infectious, her eyes expressive, especially when she rolls them as Billy’s frustrated girlfriend. This Irish, Catholic girl from Ohio (who moved to DC when she was 18 with dreams of working for the French Embassy) is frank. She is open; she is funny, causing even more belly laughs from the audience when she screwed up some lines and even forgot the names of her boyfriends. Spoiler alert: Cara has found happiness.

Wear comfortable clothes, or pajamas; grab a beer from the bar; and cozy up to this charmer. Adults only, please.

More From DCMTA

About Carolyn Kelemen

Carolyn Kelemen is a longtime dance writer for the Patuxent papers and magazines - 35 years and counting. She loves writing about the arts, especially local talent. Carolyn also teaches Arts & Humanities at Howard Community College. As an entertainer, Carolyn danced on Broadway, and was kicking high on a summer tour with Rockettes in the llate 50s and early 60s. Her TV career includes MPT's "Weeknight Alive" and years of local television in Maryland (80s and 90s).